Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Kermis

The nearby town of Brussels celebrated Kermis this past weekend.  And while I am not of Belgian origins I have learned this from the interweb:  

Kermesse, or kermis, or kirmess, is a Dutch language term derived from 'kerk' (church) and 'mis' (mass) that became borrowed in English and French, originally denoting the mass said on the anniversary of the foundation of a church (or the parish) and in honor of the patron. Such celebrations were regularly held in the Low Countries, in Central Europe and also in northern France, and were accompanied by feasting, dancing and sports of all kinds. 

The Dutch-American Village of Little Chute, Wisconsin, has celebrated Kermis annually since 1981. The Wallonian settlements in Door County, Wisconsin, also celebrate a Kermis with traditional Belgian dishes and events.  Kermis is often associated with the harvest and the life-giving bounty of food.   






We’re celebrating our own harvest festival too.    
 







 



On balance it has been a terrific year for gardening.  Pretty much nailed it!












 

You can learn more about this cultural holiday here at the Door County Visitor Bureau.

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